By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .
MISAMIS Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Mari Pelaez yesterday expressed confusion over the recent pronouncements of provincial board member Gerardo Sabal III who called for “due process” in the wake of 2nd District Rep. Juliet Uy’s call for the suspension of people involved in the importation of the trash from South Korea.
Uy has moved for the immediate suspension of Phividec administrator Franklin Quijano and port assistant manager Efledo Resma for their role in the Verde Soko mess.
“Malisod man kini nga i-suspend sila nga walay igong proseso nga agi-an. Gani walay basis ang recommendation ni Uy. Dili kana diretso mahimo kay ma-counter ka sa pagsumbong,” Sabal said in response to Uy’s recommendation of suspension.
“Why protect Verde Soko, Quijano, and Resma? Why get in the way of justice? Whose side are you on, board member Sabal?” Pelaez asked rhetorically.
Pelaez said Sabal’s statements were not based on facts even as he pointed out that Quijano and Resma already testified before the congressional committee and responded to the panel’s questions on Feb. 26 and March 15.
As for the Verde Soko officials, Pelaez said, they have chosen not to attend the hearings even after they were duly notified.
Pelaez said the joint committee hearing adhered to due process and Quijano and the Verde Soko officials had their opportunity to be heard, including Resma and other people involved in the alleged illegal transactions.
“Quijano and Resma availed of that opportunity while the Verde Soko officials did not,” Pelaez said.
He said members of the congressional panel initially found the Phividec officials guilty of gross negligence in allowing the entry of garbage without proper documentation.
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